What does it mean if you have a nodule on your adrenal gland?
An adrenal nodule is when normal tissue grows into a lump. Most incidental adrenal nodules do not cause health problems. However, they need to be evaluated for signs of excess hormone production or suspicion of malignancy.
When do you resect adrenal adenoma?
Most adrenal tumors are noncancerous (benign). You may need surgery (adrenalectomy) to remove an adrenal gland if the tumor is producing excess hormones or is large in size (more than 2 inches or 4 to 5 centimeters). If you have a cancerous tumor, you also may need an adrenalectomy.
What are the symptoms of adrenal gland problems?
What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders?
- Upper body obesity, round face and neck, and thinning arms and legs.
- Skin problems, such as acne or reddish-blue streaks on the abdomen or underarm area.
- High blood pressure.
- Muscle and bone weakness.
- Moodiness, irritability, or depression.
- High blood sugars.
How do I know if my adrenal adenoma is functioning?
Some people may also need a biopsy of the tumor to confirm the diagnosis. Laboratory tests that evaluate the levels of certain hormones in the blood or urine can be used to determine if the adrenal adenoma is functional or nonfunctional.
What type of doctor removes adrenal tumors?
Duke endocrine surgeons remove adrenal tumors and diseased adrenal glands through small incisions in your abdomen or back.
Are nodules always cancerous?
Answer From Eric J. Olson, M.D. Yes, lung nodules can be cancerous, though most lung nodules are noncancerous (benign). Lung nodules — small masses of tissue in the lung — are quite common.
Is a nodule on the adrenal gland serious?
The vast majority are benign (non-cancerous) and do not produce excess amounts of hormone. Most adrenal nodules do not cause any symptoms and are found only when imaging studies (CT scans, MRIs) are obtained to evaluate symptoms related to another problem.
What to look for in an adrenal nodule?
Evaluation of an adrenal abnormality found on imaging is done to ensure two things: 1) the nodule has benign imaging characteristics (make sure the nodule doesn’t look like an adrenal cancer), and 2) ensure no evidence of hormone excess (make sure the nodule is producing too much of the hormones it normally produces).
When to refer a patient with an Incidental adrenal mass?
Referral is indicated for patients with incidental adrenal masses more than 6 cm in greatest diameter.
How big should adrenal mass be without biopsy?
Therefore, the recommendation for an indeterminate adrenal mass > 4 cm in size and no history of cancer is surgical resection -in most cases without biopsy – in order to timely treat a possible primary adrenal cortical carcinoma [3,9]. All were incidentally discovered in patients without a history of cancer.
Can a benign nodule be removed from the adrenal gland?
Most adrenal nodules are not cancerous. A benign nodule may be surgically removed to help relieve side effects, although some patients are able to control their symptoms with medications. Moffitt Cancer Center features an Endocrine Program with physicians who focus exclusively on evaluating and treating endocrine malignancies like adrenal cancer.